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Helping others while helping yourself

posted Nov 24, 2015, 9:23 AM by stu.jessicamies@usd356.org

The United Way is a nonprofit organization designed to help communities for the common good, according to their website. Senior Hanah Jones is one of those who helps the organization reach that goal. Last year, Jones was selected by guidance counselor Louise Ronnau and 2015 graduate Danica Mercer for the United Way’s Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Grant Committee program.

Through the United Way, Jones has helped with different volunteer programs, including donating and labeling books for children and low-income schools who cannot afford them. She has also helped with the primary function of the committee, which is to give away a scholarship for students who have done extensive volunteer work and have a will to help others.

“I enjoy working with the United Way because I get to help a lot of people that really need it,” Jones said.

In addition to helping others, Jones said she has enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet students from other schools and doing teamwork exercises, including building a five-foot tower made out of Q-tips.

The United Way building is located in downtown Wichita. If you would like to get involved with the United Way, go to their website www.unitedwayplains.org for different volunteer options.

“It’s a really good way to get in volunteer hours and get scholarships,” Jones said. “You get to help those who are less fortunate.”